What do you think or headcanon that sex is like for nations? Mostly used for treaties and whatnot?
I have often viewed nations as existing awkwardly in the middle of their peoples culture and their own unique immortal nation culture. On one hand, they have to toe the line of what is proper and 'ok' in the eyes of humans in their day to day public lives. Both in a universe where they aren't public knowledge , and even in a universe where they are public knowledge. Historically, many nations have had to find unique ways to dodge the questions of humans wondering why they aren't married despite having so much wealth, power, and connection. For instance, you have Arthur who successfully gained the reputation of being the grouchy brooding life long bachelor who likes to hide out in his country estate while Francis was successful in gaining the reputation of "he is the town whore, its not even worth trying to marry your daughter off to him". Not to ramble, but I think some nations historically would have had short-term relationships with humans while others avoided it. It really depends on how each individual views their own non-human nation personification existence in relation to their citizens or even mortal humans overall. And in the 21st century its even rarer if not almost nonexistent.
Yet, when it comes to them being nations, there are existing norms, ways, and habits that are deep ingrained in their way of life and that separate them from human cultures. These norms have long been passed from older nations to young nations until it becomes a cycle of "this is just how our kind works'. Sex often boils down to "just being business" that happens to be deeply intertwined with human politics and the already complicated messy relationships with one another. Sometimes the act is pushed by world leaders, other times it was an act that nations choose to do without the knowledge of their human leaders. Or a mix of both. It wasn't uncommon for human leaders to kinda assume something else was going on outside of formal agreements but choosing to turn a blind eye to it.
In my mind there is a correlating cultural norm among nations that the authentic love and affection that humans so often have with one another, doesn't exist or work for their kind. I almost think there was probably a huge blow out mess between various ancient nations that caused this mentality to be created and passed down to younger nations. However, I think most nations lied or do lie to themselves about how true this actually is. They do develop feelings and connections to other nations. But both fear of creating a mess for themselves/their people and uncertainty of what or who they "are" as personifications often gets in the way of being able to genuinely act on these feelings.
Which results in, historically, nations seeking out sex with no ties or using every human political act to find a reason to get with the other nation they have feelings for.
